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  • Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

  • Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
  • By: Shunryu Suzuki
  • Narrated by: Peter Coyote
  • Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (150 ratings)

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Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

By: Shunryu Suzuki
Narrated by: Peter Coyote
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Publisher's Summary

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. So begins this most beloved of all American Zen works. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as this famous opening line of Shunryu Suzuki's classic. In a single stroke, the simple sentence cuts through the pervasive tendency students have of getting so close to Zen as to completely miss what it's all about. An instant teaching in the first minutes. And that's just the beginning.

In the 30 years since its original publication, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind has become one of the great modern Zen classics. Suzuki Roshi presents the basics in a way that is remarkably clear and resonates with the joy of insight. Listeners will refer to this audio time and time again as an inspiration to practice.

©1970 Shunryu Suzuki (P)1988, 2015 Audio Literature, Phoenix Books

What listeners say about Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

Average Customer Ratings
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The Simplest and best Book on Zen I have read

I have listened to this book over half a dozen times, and I pick up on a subtle quote that I missed each time, if you are new to Zen in my belief this is written perfectly, exceptional listening

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6 people found this helpful

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Great book & performance. Low audio quality

This book gave me some excellent moments of clarity. audio could be better. excellent narration.

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1 person found this helpful

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Detailed understanding of Zazen practice

This book is a detailed teaching of Zazen meditation along with deep understanding of to know your mind, nature, true your self and Buddhism.

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1 person found this helpful

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One to listen to over again.

This is a great reference book about Zen Buddhism. Definitely be listening to this audio again

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful

This is what I listen to when I am anxious. It puts my mind at ease. Beautiful.

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loved this book,

profound is the easiest way to describe, so beautifully presented. a road map for understanding our realities

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Fantastic and beautiful

This book has changed my life. Beautifully read and such wonderful words to ponder & absorb.
I listen to individual chapters daily. Excellent!

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Timeless Classic

This is beautifully read and engaging. Such a classic work.. deeply insightful, intriguing and well worth the time..

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relaxing

My friend and I used to listen to this together years ago, it is so nice to finally have a copy again. It is a wonderful audiobook and I find it very very relaxing. The narrators voice is easy to understand, i didn't want it read by anyone else. :)

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Not what I thought it would be

Would you try another book written by Shunryu Suzuki or narrated by Peter Coyote?

It's a difficult book to listen to and it may be because of the quality of the recording and also the narrator is very monotone.

What was most disappointing about Shunryu Suzuki’s story?

I can't even finish listening to it so it's not about Shunryu Suzuki's story but more the quality of the recording and narration.

Would you be willing to try another one of Peter Coyote’s performances?

No

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